‘Prepare ye the way of the Lord’
Topping up your oil & trimming your wick January 2025
The greatest prayer warrior in the Bible is Jesus! He lived a lifestyle of prayer. We see this throughout His life and ministry. Mark 1:35 tells us,very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went to a solitary place, where He prayed. Before choosing His twelve disciples, Jesus went out to a mountainside to spend the night praying (Luke 6:12-13). Jesus spent time with His Father in prayer on a regular basis. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:16As Jesus approached Gethsemane He prayed, My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will (Matthew 26:39). Despite the agony Jesus faced…and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground…[Luke 2:44] it was through prayer, Jesus aligned His will with the Father’s will.
Jesus, at the request of His disciples taught them how to pray.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13
In John 14:12-14 Jesus said, I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do the works I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
Satan doesn’t want you to know how much power you have through the weapon of your prayers.
Our prayers can bring healing, deliverance, soften hearts, bring hope and comfort, change people’s lives for the better, open up doors of opportunity, make a way where there seems to be no way, strongholds of Satan can be broken which bind up the lives of those around us and our families. Prayer enables and empowers us to be living extensions of the ministry of Jesus.
Imagine what the outcome would have been if Esther did not call the Jews to prayer and fasting. Where would we be today if King David had not humbled himself and repented before the Lord in prayer?
The prophet Daniel despite facing persecution and being prohibited from praying, fearlessly continued seeking God. His unyielding faith led him to confront the lion’s den.
Moses, who time and time again pleaded with God in prayer to spare sinful Israel [Exodus 32].
Hannah, who was barren poured out her heart before the Lord until God blessed her with a son named Samuel and ultimately, she was blessed with seven children [1 Sam 2:5]. Persistence in prayer, can unlock divine destiny. See Luke 18:1-8
Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal [1 Kings 18] altering Israel’s course and revived their faith through a dramatic display of God’s power. Elijah exemplified the boldness all prayer warriors must have, directly confronting evil through prayer as a weapon of spiritual warfare.
Abraham, known as the father of faith, was a prayer warrior who conversed intimately with God. In Genesis 18, he interceded for Sodom and Gomorrah, pleading for mercy, though not 10 righteous people could be found, resulting in the judgment of God being unleashed upon the people.
Nehemiah who was burdened by God to lead the people of Israel to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem first sought the Lord in fervent prayer and fasting (Nehemiah 1:4-11).
Anna [Luke 2] depicts a woman devoted to prayer. After losing her husband, Anna still “worshipped night and day, fasting and praying” at the temple. Her steadfast prayer and fasting fuelled an intimate walk with God.
To be people making a difference for the Kingdom of God, your church, family and friends, we need to be co-workers with God, being persistent, devoted, resolute and sacrificial in our prayer life throughout 2025.
Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty. Zech 4:6
Greg and Judy’s Update: Our ministry trip to Tasmania went very well with 14 speaking appointments over 28 days. It was a blessing to share with like minded people who received the Word of God with eagerness.
Judy and I are planning to sell our property in Alectown and to move into something more manageable in the town of Parkes, 25klm’s away. To do this we need to finish a number of jobs on our current property with the aim of having our residence on the market in April. We will be speaking at more local venues throughout the first quarter of this year before being on the road for longer periods of time.
We look forward to what the Lord has in store for 2025 as we co-labour together in the work of God’s Kingdom throughout these challenging times.
Prayer Points: Your prayers for our planned move will be greatly appreciated. May the Lord give us strength to do what is needed to be done, pray a buyer will be provided at the right time and provision of a suitable property for us to move into as a home and ministry base.
Pray that the Lord will continue to make a way for His Word to go forth!
Praise God that Greg’s right leg continues to slowly improve.
Be praying for God’s grace and mercy to be extended to this nation of Australia as a federal election is on the horizon. Pray the lies and deceptions of those in power be exposed for what they are, and that people’s eyes will be opened to the truth. May the Lord bless us with a government who stands with Israel.
Pray for the Church to ARISE, to be a strong voice of righteousness, truth and justice.
Pray for President Trump as he soon takes up His Presidency and as the leader of the free world.
Continue to pray for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, may the Lord Almighty be his shield and strength. Uphold the Israeli Defense Forces for wisdom and protection as they deal with the enemies of Israel. Pray for the release of the remaining hostages.
Therefore, I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority.” 1 Timothy 2:13